This course provides an overview of language development, focusing on theories, experimental findings
and milestones in typically developing children. The course will cover theories of language acquisition and
development, the biological basis of acquisition and development, and the basic stages of typically and
atypically developing populations with regard to language. Assigned readings come from the text listed
below. Students are encouraged to be active participants in class discussions.

This course has been designed to ensure that students demonstrate required knowledge and skill asoutlined in the Standards and Implementation Guidelines for the Certificate of Clinical Competencein Speech-Language Pathology.The specific standards addressed in this class are: III-B.

Student Learning Objectives

Students will:

\u2022

Be able to discuss foundation knowledge in speech and language sciences (STD. III-B)

\u2022

Be able to explain biological, neurological, psychology, developmental and cultural bases of

communication disorders (STD. III-B)

\u2022

Discuss and apply the cultural correlates of communication with patients and families from diverse

cultural/linguistic backgrounds (STD. III-B)

\u2022

Recognize and differentiate among fundamental concepts and theories in language acquisition,

Students are strongly encouraged to do the assigned readings before coming to each class.

Lecture outlines and announcements will be placed on Blackboard (http://blackboard.utdallas.edu

)
and UTD emails weekly. It is the student\u2019s responsibility to check Blackboard regularly for class
information.

Course Syllabus

Page 1

Assignments & Academic Calendar

**These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor

Date

Topic

Readings

Jan. 8

Introduction and Course Information

Movie- Baby Talk/discussion

Jan. 15

Theories and methods of language development

Ch. 1

Jan. 22

Human brain and language

Ch. 2

Jan. 29

Exam 1

Feb. 5

Phonology

Ch. 3

Feb. 12

Course of lexical development

How are new words learned?

Ch. 4

Feb. 19

Exam 2

Feb. 26

Early grammar development

Ch. 5: pp. 182-205

Mar. 4

Comprehension and theories of grammar development

Ch. 5: pp. 205-237

Mar. 11

SPRING BREAK

Mar. 25

Communicative Competence

Ch. 6

Apr. 1

Exam 3

Apr. 8

Language in special populations

Ch. 7

Apr. 15

Childhood bilingualism

Ch. 8

Apr. 22

Language in the school years

Ch. 9

Graduate student papers due

Apr. 29

Final Exam

Grading Policy

Acquired knowledge will be assessed via exams, which will cover information presented in lectures,readings and videotapes.Knowledge will be applied and skills demonstrated via class discussion andexams.

Assignment:

Percentage:

Exam 1

20%

Exam 2

25%

Exam 3

25%

Final Exam

30%

Course Syllabus

Page 2

ASHA STANDARDS ADDRESSED IN THIS CLASS: How knowledge is conveyed and how

knowledge and skill acquisition will be demonstrated

Standard III \u2013 B

The applicant must demonstrate knowledge of basic human communication and swallowing processes,
including their biological, neurological, acoustic, psychological, developmental, and linguistic and cultural
basis. Knowledge will be conveyed via class lectures and readings. Acquisition will be demonstrated via

class discussions, and exams.

Students will demonstrate the following skills:

1.

Discuss and explain the domains of language.
As measured by:
Successful completion of exams and class discussion.

Identify differences in language development and use across different linguistic, cultural and
socioeconomic groups.
As measured by:
Successful completion of exams and class discussion.

9.

Identify and describe the impact of language disorders on reading and academics.
As measured by:
Successful completion of exams and class discussion.

10.

Identify and discuss populations who do not develop language in a typical manner.
As measured by:
Successful completion of exams and class discussion.

Course & Instructor Policies

\u2022

While class attendance will not be monitored, it should be noted that regular attendance is required to

do well in the course.

\u2022

Three exams will be given throughout the semester, and students are expected to arrive for the exams

on time. Students who arrive late for an exam will not be permitted to take that exam.

\u2022

MAKE-UP EXAMS are only given in extreme cases with appropriate written documentation and atleast 12 hours notification. In case of emergency or illness, you are to notify the instructor before thescheduled exam. If you are given a chance to take a make-up exam, it will be in a different format andmust be completed within a week of the original test date.